Having kids help pack their school lunches is a great way to teach valuable life skills, promote healthier eating habits, spark their creativity, and make time for bonding.

The following recipes combine nutrition and fun, and they’re easy enough for kids to make themselves! They’ll love helping out in the kitchen and eating their tasty creations.

1. Bento box lunches

Arrange small portions of nutritious foods into a bento box! Japanese bento boxes allow kids to split up their meals in a fun, visually appealing way. Plus, the foods don’t touch, so this option is perfect for even the pickiest eaters!

Encourage your child to think about diversifying food groups as they add sections of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins like chicken or tofu, and carbs such as rice or pasta.

2. BLT wraps

Kids love anything they can roll up!

This recipe is perfect for packing in leafy greens and veggies. Use whole wheat tortillas as the base, and let your little one spread hummus, cream cheese, or avocado on the tortillas, add the essentials, and wrap them up! They can mix up this recipe day by day so it doesn’t get boring.

3. Sandwich kabobs

For a twist on classic sandwiches, try making mini sandwich kabobs.

It’s simple for kids to skewer these bite-sized sandwich pieces onto sticks to handcraft a fun and portable meal. These kabobs are a great way to mix up the usual sandwich routine, from turkey clubs to PB&Js.

4. Flower garden snacks

No school lunch is complete without a snack!

Turn meal time into an art project with this flower garden snack recipe, and use colorful veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers to create a garden scene. Your child will love showing off their healthy, vibrant plate to their classmates.

5. Salad bites

Take your salad on the go by splitting it into bite-sized portions!

This recipe offers an imaginative way to serve veggies and fruits like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Pair the skewers with a dip like ranch or hummus for an easy-to-eat, nutritious lunch.

Looking for more fun lunch ideas this school year? Check out our full list of 440+ recipes!